Howl's Moving Castle
by Diana Wynne Jones
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Book Summary Information
Author: Diana Wynne JonesEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-04-22
ISBN: 0061478784
Number of pages: 448
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Book Reviews of Howl's Moving Castle
Book Review: Riveting, Optimistic, Humorous, Intelligent -- and Great Fun!
Summary: 5 Stars
Sophie Hatter is the eldest of three daughters, and lives in a fairytale world. She knows quite well what happens to most elder children: they have the worst luck in the world. When a wicked witch transforms her into an old lady, she goes on a journey and meets the Wizard Howl, his apprentice Michael, and the fire demon Calcifer... and adventure and hilarity ensues!
This is the third time I've read Howl's Moving Castle. Every time I read it, I see something new... and I always have a great time. Jones knows how to write a fun narrative!
Every character is hilarious, well-rounded, and interesting to read about. The dialogue is snappy, clever, and funny. The prose is generally quite simple, yet well constructed and intelligently written. The plot is the only thing that gets bogged down in the end, but as a general rule, this book is marvelous. Every time I pick it up, I read along at a quick pace, delightedly devouring this book from cover to cover. This is from somebody who generally reads the first few pages of a book and drops it immediately!
Like I said earlier, there's only one bad thing about this book, and that is its plot. The spontaneity that makes it delightful also sometimes gets the better of it. I think that Ms. Jones is probably the kind of writer who flashes along while writing, pouring out a first draft very quickly and then going back to edit. To me, the story reads like a little-changed quickly-written narrative -- because it's full of awkward bits, things that should make sense and don't (such as the final realization about the location of two important missing persons), and plot devices that are either too vague or overly complicated (or both at once).
(SPOILERS FOLLOW. I have tried to keep it vague, but read at your own risk.)
Take the dimension through the black-blob door, for example. It breaks the magic of the story. I'm not sure whether this is because the reader becomes aware that his/her own world is utterly bereft of real magic, or whether that dimension simply isn't interesting.
Another example: the curse is confusing. What is the curse supposed to DO, really? Just return Howl to the castle? That's not frightening at all, as he can hold his own with the villain within it (see Porthaven). Furthermore, why on earth is it important for said curse to fulfill all of the subjects... why so complicated and silly? Why not, "When you see this ONE SIGN, then you return!" Let's just say that the curse seemed to be tacked on, overly complex, and awkward.
Furthermore, why is it that one supernatural being can do so much more than its identical counterpart, ESPECIALLY if it is weaker from old age?
(SPOILERS END)
But these are small concerns in the end. This is a wholly enjoyable book in every considerable respect. It's great for everyone from kids to adults, and regardless of your age, will leave you with a grin stretching from ear to ear.
Summary of Howl's Moving Castle
Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl?and herself?than first meets the eye.
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